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Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514<\/p><\/div>To understand what a commuted sentence is and how it\u2019s applies to criminal law, you need to understand the definition of clemency. Clemency is a type of non-judicial remedy used to reduce prison or criminal sentences, as well as, prevent errors of justice. In most cases, it is used as a last resort for prisoners who have exhausted all of their options for appeal. Essentially, it takes the place of the original court-ordered sentence. <\/p>\n
One of the most well-known forms of clemency is called a pardon, however other examples include amnesty, reprieves, and commuted sentences. \u201cCommutation of sentence\u201d is another rare form of clemency that reduces a prisoner\u2019s punishment for a crime. Most often, a commuted sentence is applied as a reduced prison term.<\/p>\n
Commutation of Sentence<\/h1>\n
Only the President of the United States has the power to commute federal sentences, however, in many states the governor can commute a sentence. Neither legislative nor judicial branches can interfere or override the commutation of a sentence. Since commutation of sentence is a type of pardoning power, it is often assumed that a commuted sentences the same thing as a criminal pardon. But there are actually many differences between the two types of reduced criminal sentencing.<\/p>\n
Pardons vs. Commuted Sentences:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n ⚖ Pardons forgive a defendant for their crime. Commutations merely reduce the punishment for a crime.<\/p>\n ⚖ Pardons must be accepted by defendants. Some states do not require a defendant\u2019s consent to commute their sentence.<\/p>\n ⚖ Pardons restore a defendant\u2019s civil rights that were lost upon criminal conviction. A commuted sentence does not.<\/p>\n ⚖ Pardons are handed down for various other reasons, generally political. Commuted sentences are generally earned for good behavior.<\/p>\n The limits and applications to commuted sentences vary among states. For instance, some states do require defendants to consent to or accept a commuted sentence. Also, in many states, the government cannot revoke a commutation of sentence unless it was somehow attained fraudulently or by clerical error. And in almost all states, a commutation of sentence is granted on a conditional basis, meaning it comes with mandatory conditions that defendants must abide by.<\/p>\n Since the laws and procedures for commuted sentences vary among states, it is important to get proficient legal representation to learn your rights to a reduced criminal sentence. You need an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney<\/a> with extensive trial and litigation experience. Choose attorney David E. Lewis for aggressive and skilled criminal defense in Indiana.<\/p>\n Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514<\/p><\/div>Call David E. Lewis, attorney-at-law, at 317-636-7514<\/strong> for skilled Indianapolis criminal defense<\/strong> representation. He offers free initial consultations so that you may discuss your criminal case with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer<\/strong> you can trust. Call 317-636-7514<\/strong> to schedule an appointment with a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" To understand what a commuted sentence is and how it\u2019s applies to criminal law, you need to understand the definition of clemency. Clemency is a type of non-judicial remedy used to reduce prison or criminal sentences, as well as, prevent … Continue reading Indianapolis Criminal Defense<\/h2>\n
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